Definition of an Animated GIF
Image formats can be used to create a variety of computer graphics. One kind of image format is the GIF, or Graphics Interchange Format. Use a specific type of GIF, called the animated GIF, to produce "moving," or animated, graphics.
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Definition
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The animated GIF is a graphic file type that takes a series of uploaded images and frames them on top of each other. These compressed images run in a sequence that loops endlessly, giving the appearance of movement.
Advantages
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Animated GIFs are considered a relatively simple graphic format to use, and typically work well for simple animations like web banners. Animated GIFs are recognized by most Web browsers.
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Disadvantages
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Animated GIFs are considerably larger than single-frame GIFs, resulting in longer download times. Due to file size, animated GIFs can only compress a limited number of frames and cannot run complex animations. Animated GIFs are also confined to 256 pixels, making it difficult to reproduce photographs taken by high resolution cameras. It is not possible to add sound to GIF animation. Once encoded, an animated GIF cannot be edited or changed.
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References
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- Photo Credit horse silhouettes image by Slobodan Djajic from Fotolia.com
